COL Homepage News

COL Homepage News

Ryan McMahon figured that if a mid-Spring Training signing placed him squarely on the Rockies' roster bubble, and if all eyes would be on him to prove he can hit established Major League pitching, he might as well have fun with it.

Brendan Rodgers started at second base for the Rockies against the Brewers on Saturday afternoon, but it was by no means the start of his day. Garrett Hampson was in the dugout slated to enter as a reserve, but the game was merely part of his day, too.

If Spring Training is a laboratory, the Rockies' DJ LeMahieu is that dude in chemistry class who not only did all his homework but finished the class assignment at home. You know, with the Bunsen burners that happened to be laying around his room.

Happy recent developments -- namely, the return of Carlos Gonzalez after a difficult free agency and the returns of left fielder Gerardo Parra and pinch-hit ace Pat Valaika from injury -- made for difficult decisions for Rockies manager Bud Black.

Every Spring Training, prospects get a chance to show what they can do as they prepare for the upcoming season. Some compete for jobs in big league camp, while others vie for spots on Minor League affiliates. MLB Pipeline will visit all 30 camps this spring, and today we check in on the Rockies.

Rockies infielder and pinch-hit specialist Pat Valaika's gray pants were ripped pretty good Wednesday morning. But his left oblique muscle was strong and intact after he appeared in a simulated game in Scottsdale, and that's good news that came sooner than expected.

As part of MLB Pipeline's visit to all 30 Spring Training facilities, we're sitting down with prospects and getting to know them a little better. At Rockies camp, it was Colorado's No. 4 prospect, Colton Welker.

Whether Rockies shortstop Trevor Story reaches stardom could depend on how well he can match his approach to the situation. It's an improvement teammate Nolan Arenado has made, and one Story wants to emulate.

With outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and the Rockies trying to finalize a one-year contract agreement Friday morning, Nolan Arenado apparently will get his brother back -- and the team will have a veteran power bat back in its lineup.

Jonathan Mayo take you on a tour of the Cactus League in this week's edition of the Pipeline Podcast. In addition to discussing Julio Pablo Martinez, whom the Rangers are expected to sign, Mayo conducts interviews with several top prospects.

Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis intended to concentrate on the feel of a certain part of his delivery during Wednesday's "B" game against the Angels. But giving up four runs, two on a Carlos Perez homer, didn't feel good.

When Rockies catcher Tom Murphy relaxes, the ball flies. Murphy launched a low Mike Leake fastball beyond the 410-foot mark in center field in the fourth inning of the Rockies' 3-2 Cactus League victory over the Mariners on Tuesday night.

The Rockies entered last season confident even though they faced questions about their starting rotation and, quite frankly, years of losing ways. A trip to the postseason -- the team's first since 2009 -- was a solid response. But last year wasn't an acceptable final answer. In fact, questions abound.